Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has appealed to President William Ruto to elevate Meru to city status before the 2027 General Election, saying the upgrade would fulfill a long-standing aspiration of residents and open new opportunities for growth.
Speaking on Friday at State House during a meeting hosted by the President for Meru grassroots leaders, Governor Mutuma emphasized that the community was united in its plea for recognition as Kenya’s next city.
“We pray and request a declaration of Meru as the next city in Kenya,” the Governor said. “These people don’t want to hear any other city being pronounced before Meru. They are pleading that before 2027, and because this requires your blessings, you lift our status at Meru.”
He noted that city status would not only enhance Meru’s national profile but also attract greater investment, spur infrastructure development, and improve service delivery. According to him, the county has made significant strides in growth and deserves to join the ranks of leading urban centers such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
Governor Mutuma also used the occasion to reaffirm Meru’s support for President Ruto, recalling the county’s strong backing during the 2022 General Election, where it ranked fourth nationally in terms of votes delivered after Kiambu, Nairobi, and Nakuru.
“That support was not only political, it was a covenant of trust between our people and your leadership,” he said. “Looking ahead to 2027, Meru pledges to stand with you, even more strongly determined to deliver a greater mandate as testimony of our confidence in your vision for Kenya.”
The Governor expressed optimism that the declaration of Meru as a city would serve as a legacy project for the Kenya Kwanza administration. He assured the Head of State that Meru leaders and residents remained committed to supporting government programs and working collaboratively to achieve national development goals.
If granted, Meru would become Kenya’s newest city, strengthening its role as a commercial and cultural hub in the Mount Kenya region.
